Center for African Studies Hosts Inaugural ‘Engaging Africa’ Conference

The Center for African Studies (CAS) will host Engaging Africa, Spiritan Traditions, Contemporary Perspectives, a two-day conference slated for Tuesday, Jan. 31, and Wednesday, Feb. 1

This inaugural event will use a contemporary lens to examine historical Spiritan missions in Africa in order to understand their impact on Duquesne’s past, present and future engagement with Africa.

“Duquesne faculty, staff, administrators and students have all become more aware of Spiritan involvement in the African continent, and have undertaken academic programs, study abroad, community engagement opportunities and institutional affiliations to implement and to understand what this engagement means for the University community,” said CAS Director Dr. Gerald M. Boodoo.

According to Boodoo, the goal of this transdisciplinary conference is to situate these understandings within the historical context of the Spiritans in the African continent.

Members of the campus community are invited to attend the following:

Tuesday, Jan. 31

Keynote Address, Spiritan Engagement with Africa: 1841 to the Present, 4 p.m., Africa Room: Presented by Rev. Paul Coulon, C.S.Sp., of the Institut Catholique de Paris and General Spiritan Archives.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

Panel Presentation: The Changing Spiritan Presence and Contemporary Issues in Africa, 10 a.m., Union Ballroom: Panelists include the Most Rev. John Kwofie, C.S.Sp., S.S.L., bishop of the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi in Ghana; the Very Rev. Jeffrey T. Duaime, C.S.Sp., chairman of the Duquesne University Corporation and provincial superior for the Congregation of the Holy Spirit; and Dr. Anne Marie Hansen, assistant professor of occupational therapy. A Luncheon will follow.

Panel Presentation: Implications for Duquesne’s Engagement and Strategic Initiatives with and in Africa, 1 p.m., Union Ballroom: Panelists include Dr. Timothy Austin, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Bridget Calhoun, chair and associate professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies; and Danielle Genemore, assistant director of International Programs.

Held in collaboration with Founders Week 2017 and sponsored by CAS and the Office of the Provost, Engaging Africa is free and open to the public. Registration is requested by calling 412.396.2651, or by visiting CAS online.